If you have a craving for something cozy, rich, and packed with all the flavors of your favorite burger, you are going to love this Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Imagine all the juicy, savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger, but in a creamy, comforting bowl of soup that warms you up from the inside out. The blend of ground beef, tender vegetables, silky cheese, and subtle herbs creates a mouthwatering experience that feels like a big hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this soup brings cheesy, hearty satisfaction in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender potatoes adding heartiness to the pepper jack Velveeta bringing that signature cheesy kick.
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, providing savory depth and richness.
- Onion, carrots, and celery: A classic trio that adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant boost that lifts the whole soup.
- Peeled potatoes: These tender cubes contribute body and a cozy texture.
- Dried basil and parsley flakes: Subtle herbs that round out the flavor profile with freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that ties everything together.
- Butter and flour: Combined to make a roux that thickens the soup beautifully.
- Pepper jack Velveeta cheese: Creamy and slightly spicy, it melts perfectly for that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Milk: Adds smoothness and balances the cheese’s richness.
- Sour cream: Finished with this for a luscious, tangy creaminess.
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. This step is essential for locking in the rich, meaty flavors that form the base of your soup. Once browned, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside so it’s ready to be added back later.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in the chopped onion, shredded carrots, and diced celery along with dried basil and parsley flakes. Sauté these until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, about 10 minutes. Then add the pressed garlic and cook just until it smells heavenly, about one minute.
Step 3: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes along with the cooked ground beef. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
While your soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook it for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. This golden roux is key to thickening your soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
Add the roux mixture to your simmering soup and bring it back up to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 full minutes until the broth thickens nicely. This step creates that luscious, velvety texture you can’t wait to dive into.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Milk
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the cubed pepper jack Velveeta cheese, milk, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring patiently until every bit of cheese melts completely and the soup turns into a smooth, cheesy delight.
Step 7: Finish with Sour Cream
Finally, remove the soup from heat and mix in the sour cream. This adds a creamy tang that elevates every spoonful, making your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe truly irresistible. Serve it warm and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can turn this rich soup into a presentation to remember. Sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. A few crispy bacon bits bring savory crunch, and an extra dusting of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese completes the indulgence.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness and provides a refreshing contrast. Soft pretzel bites or even kettle-cooked potato chips are playful sides that complement the cheeseburger vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls to add a bit of bakery flair and extra flavor. You can also top individual bowls with pickles or diced tomatoes to mimic some classic burger toppings, giving each serving a personal touch that sparks joy at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As flavors meld even more with time, leftovers often taste just as satisfying, if not better, the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the sour cream and cheese might change texture slightly after freezing, so it’s best to add fresh sour cream when reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy consistency. Stir in a spoonful of sour cream just before serving to revive its luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While pepper jack Velveeta adds a nice kick and melts smoothly, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The original recipe uses all-purpose flour for the roux, which contains gluten. However, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising the thickness or flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein or mushrooms for a meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and sour cream keep it rich and satisfying.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The full process takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish, including simmering time. It’s absolutely worth the wait considering the hearty, flavorful results you’ll enjoy.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers without losing creaminess?
Reheat gently over low heat, adding milk or broth to loosen the texture if it gets too thick. Stir in fresh sour cream at the end to restore creaminess and richness before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try if you love comforting, cheesy dishes packed with flavorful goodness. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but special enough to impress friends and family. Cooking this soup feels like making a warm, delicious memory, and sharing it makes every meal a little celebration. Grab your ingredients, get cozy, and dive into this unforgettable bowl of cheeseburger-inspired comfort!
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Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and creamy cheeseburger soup combines savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and melted pepper jack cheese to create a comforting meal perfect for chilly days. With a rich broth thickened by a buttery roux and finished with a splash of sour cream, this soup delivers all the flavors of a cheeseburger in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup onion, chopped
- ¾ cup carrots, shredded
- ¾ cup celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced (about 1¾ pounds)
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
Roux and Dairy
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour can be used)
- 12 ounces pepper jack Velveeta, cut into cubes
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and parsley flakes. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth, Potatoes, and Beef: Pour in the chicken broth and add diced potatoes along with the cooked ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare the Roux: While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a small skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and golden to prevent burning.
- Thicken the Soup: Add the roux mixture into the soup pot and bring the soup back to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes to thicken the broth.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce heat to low and stir in the pepper jack Velveeta cubes, milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Remove the soup from heat and blend in the sour cream for added creaminess and tang. Serve the soup warm.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour as a substitute to make this soup gluten-free.
- Velveeta can be swapped with another melting cheese such as cheddar for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the soup when adding cheese.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For a thicker soup, reduce some of the chicken broth or add a bit more roux.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
